As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of giving and supporting our community becomes even more important.
Food Help Dunedin is a volunteer-run organisation with over 5,000 members, dedicated to ensuring families in the region receive support when they need it most. Operating through a Facebook page, Food Help connects those in need with those keen to lend a hand. While there’s a high demand for help, the generosity of the community ensures that no one is left without support.
The process is simple yet effective. Volunteer moderators carefully review each request for help before sharing it on their Facebook page. The team allows a few hours for members to respond and offer food donations. If the response falls short, the Food Help team steps in to prepare food parcels using supplies from their own pantries and freezers.
Food Help relies on community contributions to keep it running. Thankfully, the Dunedin and surrounding communities are more than willing to help. Anna Bartlett is a volunteer at Food Help and a teacher at Silverstream School in Mosgiel – one of CrestClean’s customers. As a Food Help co-ordinator, Anna plays a vital role in ensuring families in need receive adequate food assistance.
“We make sure Food Help is available all of the time,” she says.
Silverstream School is a major contributor to Food Help, thanks to Anna’s efforts in organising events that encourage students to bring in donations that help keep Food Help’s pantries and freezers well-stocked.
“We’re not limited to non-perishables. I keep a surplus of bread, frozen meals and frozen vegetables in stock. During the school holidays, I also make a bulk load of meals,” says Anna.
“We also receive monetary donations from local businesses that support us throughout the year, which helps us replenish stock.”
During the Christmas season, the need for assistance grows, so the CrestClean Dunedin team recently rallied together to bring in donations to help fill Food Help’s Christmas food hampers.
On December 23rd, Anna and the Food Help team will deliver 100 Christmas hampers to families in the region. Anna says that this year’s hampers are packed with all the good stuff – chicken, vegetables, fruit, snacks, dessert, and much more. It’s everything a family needs for a delicious Christmas Day meal.
Regional Master Franchisees Tony and Nicky Kramers reached out to the region’s franchisees and the corporate staff for food donations, and the response was overwhelming. Nicky ended up with enough donations to fill her entire car boot.
“It’s pretty cool being able to support the community,” says Anna.
Inspired to help? You can join the incredible mission of Food Help Dunedin by following their Facebook page. Every bit of support counts. Whether it’s a little or a lot, your help makes a big difference.
“You might be able to help once a month or once a year. We appreciate any help,” says Anna.
Food Help Dunedin reminds us of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.
